One of the builders of a bike path at Old Post Park in Russellville is upset by what he feels is abuse of the trails by all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders.

Terry Boyd helped design and build the trail, which is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. The trail starts behind the visitors center and consists of two loops. The west side is geared more toward intermediate bikers and the east side toward beginners.

“I saw a need for a family friendly bike trail,” Boyd said. “We have a great park here and many bike enthusiasts. I would like to see our community riding here, not traveling somewhere just to enjoy a trail ride.”

Although ATVs are not allowed on the trails, and signs are posted with that information, Boyd said some ATV riders have gone so far as to tear down the barbed wire fencing to get to the trails.

Russellville Police Department Public Information Officer Drew Latch said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has jurisdiction over the park itself, but confirmed his department has received complaints of ATVs being driven in that area.

In addition to trespassing on private property near the park and on the trails themselves, the ATVs damage the paths, which are not meant for ATV use. The Corps does not have the staff needed to repair the trails. Instead, that task is handled by the dedicated group of volunteers, Boyd said.

Boyd encourages ATV riders to avoid riding in restricted areas and instead make use of the trails in the area that are specifically designed for ATV use.

In addition, Boyd encouraged even those who are biking or running on the trails to avoid doing so for 24-36 hours after a rain event to prevent damage to the trails.

“If you are leaving ruts or deep muddy footprints, you are damaging the tread of the trail,” he said.